Six wounded in three shootings in East St. Louis

Belleville News-Democrat

March 18, 2008

All occurred within a 12-hour period

By Carolyn P. Smith

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Three shootings within a 12-hour period Monday left six people wounded and police searching for suspects and a motive or motives.

The shootings occurred in the 2900 block of Converse Avenue, the 3300 block of State Street, and the 2900 block of Bond Avenue. Each time, two black men were the victims. Police Chief Michael Baxton said police do not know whether the shootings are related.

In the first shooting, which occurred at 3:15 a.m., police were called to 2917 Converse Ave. after someone shot up the house there and wounded two people, a 37-year-old and a 34-year old, who were inside, Detective Ricky Perry said.

'One victim, a 37-year-old from Venice, was shot once in the buttocks and a second victim, 34 years old from East St. Louis, was shot once in the leg,' Perry said.

Police learned that at least five people were inside the house at the time of the shooting, Perry said. Some were asleep, others were watching television and playing card games.

Suddenly, they heard a barrage of gunshots coming from outside of the house. The two injured men were taken to an area hospital for treatment of their wounds, Perry said.

Witnesses told police a dark-colored, newer model vehicle was seen speeding away from the residence.

'There were three individuals inside. The driver was wearing his hair in what's called dread locks,' Baxton said.

In the shooting that occurred at 12:27 p.m., police found the victims -- a 40-year-old man and his 18-year-old son -- sitting in a black pick-up truck on the corner of 16th and State streets.

'They told police they were shot at 33rd and State Streets and had driven to 16th Street, where someone from Classic Tire, a business nearby, drove them to Kenneth Hall Hospital,' Baxton said.

Baxton said the pair saw a newer-model gray Jeep Cherokee with Missouri license plates speeding away from the scene, traveling west on State Street.

The third shooting occurred at 2:15 p.m. in front of a store at 29th Street and Bond Avenue.

The victims were shot in their legs. They were taken to Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital where they were admitted for treatment of their wounds. No ages were available.

'Witnesses said a bright or light-skinned black male shooter, sitting on the passenger side of a dark-colored car fired the shots. An unknown female, possibly the shooter's girlfriend, drove away in the vehicle immediately after the shooting.

Police are asking for the public's assistance. Anyone with information is urged to call the East St. Louis Police Department at 482-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS.

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